Letter: Gingrich's views need examination

To the editor

Published 9:41 pm, Thursday, December 8, 2011

Newt Gingrich is now the leading contender for the Republican nomination. Although his lead has put him under the spotlight, his recent comments on drug policy have received little attention. For example, Gingrich has spoken favorably of Singapore's approach, which imposes corporal punishment and death for drug offenses.

"They have been very draconian," Gingrich says. "And they have communicated with great intention that they intend to stop drugs from coming into their country."

We view ourselves as a free country. The mainstream media must ask how Gingrich would apply such contradicting values on Americans.

Gingrich also advocates the massive expansion of drug testing for anyone receiving federal or state assistance. Evidently, he sees drug testing as a policy only for the unemployed and poor. Why wouldn't he include more affluent citizens in that stigmatizing category?

Finally, Gingrich has said he would continue to enforce the federal law on medical marijuana.

"I think the California experience is that medical marijuana becomes a joke," he said. "You find local doctors who will prescribe it for anybody that walks in."

So Gingrich may be the presidential candidate of the party that espouses a smaller government and respecting states rights. Would he advocate more federal raids on marijuana dispensaries? Would he use the military to enforce marijuana laws?

When the media accepts these short-sighted solutions without questioning their ramifications, the voting public is denied the debate that democracy requires.